2009 Aboriginal Reconciliation Convention for Years 9 and 10 Students - 10 August 2009 - Expressions of Interest by 29 June 2009

Attention: Principal / Aboriginal Liaison Officers / History Head Teacher / History Teachers

An invitation to Year 9 & 10 students
to participate in the

2009 Aboriginal Reconciliation Convention

to be held at Parliament House, Sydney on

Monday August 10, 2009

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST DUE BY
29 JUNE 2009

In 2008, Prime Minister Rudd gave an apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples on behalf of the Federal Government and Parliament. This marked an important turning point in Australian History and in the process of Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The challenge for Australia now lies in ensuring equity in life expectancy and life opportunities for indigenous Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a life expectancy 17 years less than other Australians. Close the Gap is a campaign, supported by more than 40 Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, that calls on federal, state and territory governments to commit to closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.

The Education Section of the NSW Parliament is conducting a Reconciliation Convention to be held at Parliament House, Sydney. Schools that express interest in participating in this civics and citizenship program for Stage 5 students will receive resource materials relating to the Close the Gap campaign and the program outline for the Reconciliation Convention.

Once students have undertaken preparatory activities, the school will be asked to select several students to attend the Parliament House Convention on August 10, 2009. These students will report on the activities that they took part in at school as well as participate in a program with guest speakers and Reconciliation activities. The Convention at Parliament House will begin at 10am and end by 2:30pm. Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided.

If your school is interested in participating please contact Daniela Giorgi by email
daniela.giorgi@parliament.nsw.gov.au
or telephone: 9230 2334

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